Alaafin Throne: Siyanbola Oladigbolu As The New Alaafin A Justice | By Prince Muritala Oladigbolu
A vast number of people in Oyo had never witnessed the transition of an Alaafin. Before April 2022, the last time such happened was 54 years ago, in 1968, when Alaafin Adeyemi’s predecessor, Alaafin Bello Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II, passed away
The revered throne of the Alaafin of Oyo has been vacant for over two years now, and over 85 princes have shown interest to occupy the exalted stool of one of the most powerful Yoruba monarchs.
So, it was common to hear Oyo people say “Nje pe ori Alaafin ni aida o” (I am not wishing Alaafin bad) and his panegyrists would sing “Ti a ba bu leyin yii o si gbo o, abe ti lu kaara… (if you dare speak ill of him in his absence, he would hear, he has his ears connected everywhere…)
So, the news of Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi’s transition was incredible. More so, a vast number of people in Oyo had never witnessed the transition of an Alaafin. Before April 2022, the last time such happened was 54 years ago, in 1968, when Alaafin Adeyemi’s predecessor, Alaafin Bello Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II, passed away
But it did happen – Alaafin Adeyemi reluctantly went to Bara as a stanza in his panegyrics goes:
Kìnìún òkè Àkẹ̀sán (The lion of Akesan Hill).
Abi orí ẹṣin báábá lọ́nà kọ̀mu (Like the wanton horse’s head along Komu).
Abi ìrìn ẹṣin tìkọ̀-tìkọ̀ lọ́nà bààrà (Like the horse walks sluggishly along Baara).
All this aforementioned drew me to the life of the most-sorted-out prince in the kingdom (Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu), a man who many said was born for the throne. Research tells us that he is the only candidate with the required understanding, upbringing, and prepared blue blood whose aura might be favoured . He is a biological grandson of the late Alaafin siyanbola oladigbolu and an uncle to 90 per cent of the whole contenders. If I am lying, let others tell the public how they are related to the stool. Prince azeez akano oladigbolu (his father) and late oba bello gbadegesin are brothers ; From Alaafin siyanbola Onikepe ladigbolu.
If the young prince addresses all the gbadegesins and extended oladigbolus as his nephews, he is on point. It is what it is. And there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Anyone in support of injustice today shall cry for justice in the future according to the law of karma.
Bishop ladigbolu can not be alaafin at the age of 87 years, that is selfish interest role . He’s needed as a guardian to the new alaafin, not as alaafin. The alowolodu ruling House has enjoyed the stool for good 53 years. We can not toy with our slot by making an old person a king with the scheme of things globally.
Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu’s time and story relatively look like that of the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi. He has a rich sense of history, is well-articulate and is a man of many paths. Even among princes, he will be singled out, little wonder why the sons and daughters of Oyo clamour for him as their next Alaafin.
We are tired of speaking from the back, let our brother, Bishop ladigbolu, step down . His age is out of our consideration.
I am also a great-grandson of alaafin ladigbolu. At 66 years of age, a nephew to siyanbola as well , regardless of age difference, Nature has favoured him, and no one can change the arrangements of God.
A well-connected personality that has the capacity to turn around the fortune of the kingdom, a man who has spent years of his life in the real estate world, definitely has a taste for good things, if chosen as the next Alaafin, he will develop Oyo Kingdom to an enviable city.
The Oyo Kingdom needs a young king, who draws up a developmental plan that will span years of continuous growth and will promote and protect the rich socio-cultural heritage of one of the most talked about kingdoms in the Yoruba race, and that man is no other than Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu.
We admonish our listening governor of the pace setter state, Engr Seyi Makinde to deliver on his promises of not compromising the selection process, while ensuring that justice is done based on popular demand, closeness to the throne having in mind that, this singular decision might make or mar the great Alaafin kingdom. Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu is our hope for the new Oyo Alaafin of our dreams.
Awi wi wi, siyanbola l’ara oyo fe, a so so so, siyanbola L’ara oyo fe. Owo ifa ti e pin, pabo l’oja si, owo l’asan leni oo, se b’oba lo ni iyi, siyanbola Ye l’oba.
• Prince Muritala Adebayo Oladigbolu.
Akeetan, Oyo.
